Session drill · 15 seconds
Receiving the Ball Under Pressure
A server feeds an attacker who is pressed from behind, and the duel decides what happens next. The attacking player comes out of their queue to receive off the server, and a defender comes out with them, putting pressure from behind as the ball arrives. The server plays it in and the attacker takes control under pressure. If the attacker wins the duel they beat the defender and get a shot off on the main goal. If the defender intercepts and steals it, they can counter and score in the small goals at the far end, which makes losing it cost something. It runs continuously off two feeder queues, one attacker and one defender at a time, both rejoining the back of their own line after each go. Swap the attacking and defending lines over after a spell so everyone does both jobs.
Instructions
- Get side-on to the defender and keep your body between them and the ball
- Take your first touch away from the pressure, out of your feet rather than under them
- Use your arm to feel where the defender is and protect your space
- Read it early: no space to turn, protect and play into a small goal; a yard to work in, turn and finish
Variation
- Start with the defender passive, then let them go fully live. Limit the attacker to two touches, or make them call their option before the ball arrives. Vary the server's delivery, to feet, to the side, driven, so the first touch has to adapt.
Building lineups in seconds
Set your team sheet, plan your substitutions, and share it with the parents before you leave the car park.
